Make Fruits Giddy with FruitsPang

FruitsPang, by Juhan Yoo, is a charming iOS game that is easy to learn for all ages. FruitsPang is a puzzle game that is pretty basic in concept, but its inclusion of smiling (or grumpy) fruits makes it more appealing to some audiences than traditional matching puzzle games. This app is currently available for free through the iTunes store and can be played on any iOS device that is operating at iOS 4.3 or later.

Features:

FruitsPang can best be compared to games like the ever-so-popular Bejeweled that require players to align three or more like game pieces together. However, FruitsPang is unique in that these alignments don’t even have to be all in a single straight line; instead, as long as the like-fruit characters can all be connected somehow with lines (without other fruits interfering with those lines), then points can be scored in this game. As an added twist, fruits that have yet to be connected feature grumpy faces, while those that get connected burst into smiles before they disappear from the game board. For the competitive player, FruitsPang high scores are featured internationally on the game’s leader score board online, and personal high scores are also displayed on individual iOS devices. A weekly FruitsPang tournament is also available. FruitsPang even harnesses in a social aspect to gaming, as players are given the option to connect with fellow FruitsPang-ers by giving and gaining hearts or through inviting other social media friends. For anyone who likes puzzle/matching-style games, FruitsPang is a guaranteed winner.

FruitsPang iPhone App Review

Appearance and Layout:

The graphics for FruitsPang leave nothing to complain about. Each character is unique and charming in its appearance. The layout of FruitsPang is desirably uncluttered, and users are not forced to create an in-game profile prior to beginning to enjoy FruitsPang (although such profiles can be created if desired). Info for time remaining in a round is displayed directly on each game’s screen, and an excellently plotted visual display of past high scores is displayed after a game is over. Hints are given in the game by fingers that are placed directly on the game board, and I actually found this to be more helpful than hindering (as some might expect). Overall, I was definitely impressed with the detail that was put into designing the aesthetic elements of FruitsPang.

Value:

FruitsPang is a free game. As such, I have to give it a full “five stars” for its rating; this game can be quickly learned by just about anyone, and yet it is challenging enough to warrant hours of game play. In-game purchases for special feature fruits are optional, and I personally found the basic version of this game to be entertaining even without making these investments. FruitsPang is a great game that will appeal to anyone who likes games like Bejeweled.

FruitsPang iPhone app requires iOS 4.3 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. A small expedite fee was paid by the developer to speed up the publication of this review.